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I`ll probably have to work saturday but sunday I`d like to fish Hennesy.We know there some fatties in there and with this weather were having I`m sure the bite has got to be pretty decent.If anybody else wants to go and we get enough of us we could maybe turn into another turkey shoot.If ya wanna go post and we`ll get a head count,cya Bill

I went to Hennessy a week to check it out. I was told under NO circumstaces that we are allowed to "touch" the water. Even if we have waders we are still not allowed. I was also told tat the "boats" that we use have to be more than 8ft in length.

I explained to the Napa city water uy that it was researched and that we were allowed to fish in the water with floats/kicks. I purchased a book at the San Mateo ISE show that gave a desripition of every body of water and that Lake Hennessey encouraged float tubes. This guy looked at me like I was crazy. He wanted me to tell him what book and author(so I told him). He explained to me that we cant touch the water but he wasnt sure if with us wearing waders if technically that is touching.

At this point Im not sure what to do....I was hoping some of you guys might know who to contact to get the right answers. I wouldt want you guys to get all the way there, setup, and then NOT be allowed to fish. If we get the go ahead to fish there i would love to get back there and rip up some big girls with you guys!

As long as you bring oars I would think your cool because there is no reason to touch the water so to speak.The oars would technically be our source to be mobile unlike a floattube where your sitting in the water and kicking.Did you have that book with you Daniel?If you decide to come on out bring it with you,thx Bill

Also regarding the 8ft rule,I didnt see that posted at the launch area,did he show you some literature on that?I guess all our boats will be 8 1/2 footers that day,lol.Watch him have a tape measure,that would be some shiat.But I think he kinda made that one up.

At the time I did not have that book with me. Here is a perfect example of technicalities. I think technically we should be allowed to fish it because with waders were are not touching the water with human skin. But however that brings up a point my dad made of whats to say a guy goes out with a full body wetsuit and swims around. Would that be considered ok? On this particular lake we are not allowed to swim, wade or touch. I dunno guys this is a interesting one for sure. Im certainly curious becase I think this lake has a tremendous amount of potential. I hope we can figure it out.

I remember Andy said something about no float tube allow. I could be wrong, but then he said he could be wrong on that part. Or maybe even he said I didn't know they allow float tube. Anyway, the 8 foot rule, that's full of crap. Think about it, if they didn't want you to launch your boat why would they even put a launch ramp. Second who goes around in a 8 foot boat. Anyway haven't been there, but hopefully somebody can share some light on this matter.

With its proximity to so many wineries and tourist attractions, Lake Hennessey Recreational Area offers a soothing counterpoint to the bacchanalia of gourmet food and fine wines for visitors. It is also a prime destination for area anglers, who fish the waters for large- and smallmouth bass, trout, and crappies. No motor boats are allowed on the lake, which makes it especially peaceful. (Daily)

12.16.040 Boat operation--Fishing and boating permit.

The following regulations shall apply to the operation of boats upon Lake Hennessey, and any violation thereof shall be unlawful.

2. Sailboats, catamarans, rubber rafts and canoes, a minimum of eight feet in length and a maximum of sixteen feet in length.

B. Windsurfers, sailboats without cockpits, water skis, kayaks and other similar crafts are not permitted on the lake at any time.

C. All boat operators shall obtain an annual or daily fishing and boating permit from the Lake Hennessey caretaker or the City of Napa Water Division at 1600 First Street, Napa, California. The charge for the annual or daily permit shall be established by the city of Napa city council by resolution.

D. Separate permits shall be obtained from the Lake Hennessey caretaker each time a boat is launched. The charge for the launching permit shall be established by the Napa city council by resolution.

E. Boats shall be launched from a location designated by the Lake Hennessey caretaker.

F. Boats shall be allowed on the lake one hour before sunrise and shall be removed from the lake by one hour after sunset of each day.

G. No person shall be in or upon any boat while under the influence of any intoxicating liquor.

H. The sheriff and any of his deputies are exempt from the boat operation regulations set forth in subsection (A) through (F) of Section 12.16.040 when operating a sheriff's patrol vessel. (Ord. 1157 §§ 2, 3, 1999; Ord. 719 § 1, 1982: prior code § 9003)

I don't see anything about touching the water, I don't know why kayak would not be permitted. I'm thinking if you happen to fall off the water then you're making contact. However, with waders, I don't see why we can't be there

I don't really know the regs for the lake. I do know that it's a water supply reservoir for the City of Napa, & often water supply reservoirs don't allow body contact (e.g., swimming). So, if we tried float tubing in Marin County, we'd probably be locked up in the State Pen for 20 years. On the other hand, San Pablo Reservoir is a water supply reservoir & allows limited tubing, & Spring Lake is an emergency water supply reservoir & is fine with tubing, although swimming is not allowed. Maybe local agencies have leeway on what's allowed & what isn't?

My thought was that maybe they'd allow kickboating @ Hennessey since, theoretically, you could stay completely out of the water & just use your oars. Plus, you guys didn't get busted, so that's a good sign, too.

aparsons wrote: I don't really know the regs for the lake. I do know that it's a water supply reservoir for the City of Napa, & often water supply reservoirs don't allow body contact (e.g., swimming). So, if we tried float tubing in Marin County, we'd probably be locked up in the State Pen for 20 years. On the other hand, San Pablo Reservoir is a water supply reservoir & allows limited tubing, & Spring Lake is an emergency water supply reservoir & is fine with tubing, although swimming is not allowed. Maybe local agencies have leeway on what's allowed & what isn't?

My thought was that maybe they'd allow kickboating @ Hennessey since, theoretically, you could stay completely out of the water & just use your oars. Plus, you guys didn't get busted, so that's a good sign, too.

The bottom line is that I don't know what the hell I'm talking about.

Lol,thx Andy.As kickboaters with oars we`re within the guidelines.Sunday is a go,it`ll probably be a just for fun trip that way we can bs and learn this lake together since most of us have only seen a fraction of it.But bring your baskets just in case we all get there and want to do a little wagering,lol.Andy cmon out dude and hang with the big boys its been a long time since you have.

Im going there today and after catching some toads I'll see if there is any one I can talk with about this issue. Have fun at work guys. I will post a report tonight or tomorrow. Thanks Mr Bill for the phone call. I can't wait to hear what she says tonight after listening to the message. Oh yea baby.
P.S. Bill, your pink South fork has been order today.

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